Yesterday, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced $3.6 million to support education and job-training programs that help low-income workers find employment in sectors with significant demand for skilled labor, including grants to the South Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation as well as the Highbridge Community Life Center. Made available through the Career Pathways Program, this funding furthers efforts to provide participants with a clear and reliable course of action for acquiring new technical skills, securing opportunities to earn higher wages over time and progressing in their careers.
“By giving workers a boost in the job market and ensuring that Empire State businesses have access to our world-class labor force, we are growing the economy while creating new opportunities for New Yorkers,” Governor Cuomo said. “This funding supports programs that empower hard-working men and women to further their careers in growing industries, and unlocks the potential for growth in some of our most vibrant sectors of business. I am pleased to be announcing this funding today, and I look forward to seeing it benefit communities around the state for years to come.”
Congressman José E. Serrano spoke of the local impact:
“This important funding will help Bronx residents to gain new skills and create new job opportunities for themselves. This is a significant investment in the Bronx, and I want to congratulate both SOBRO and the Highbridge Community Life Center on receiving these grants. Both of these organizations are doing important work in the Bronx, and this funding will only enhance their capabilities. I also want to commend Governor Cuomo for his work on these issues, and for ensuring the Bronx can benefit from this important program.”
More than $3.6 million has been awarded by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) to 14 community-based organizations around the state to operate Career Pathways Programs.
The Career Pathways Programs are organized as a series of steps that lead participants toward job placement and increased earnings opportunities. By providing industry-recognized credentials, certificates and/or licenses when appropriate, the Career Pathways Programs provide proof of experience that makes workers attractive to potential employers.
The industry sectors are identified locally and include those that need skilled workers and that are vital to the economic health of the region.
“Career Pathways links basic education to occupational training, combined with integrated support services, enabling individuals to advance over time to higher-wage jobs,” said OTDA Commissioner Kristin M. Proud. “This approach often leads to higher wages and benefits.”
Individuals eligible for the program include unemployed young adults between the ages of 18 and 24 and individuals receiving public assistance. Targeted sectors include health care, construction, manufacturing, hospitality and business services.
The following organizations received funding:
|
Organization |
Amount |
Counties Served |
| Catholic Family Center | $270,000 | Monroe |
| SOBRO | $270,000 | Bronx |
| El Barrios Operation Fightback | $270,000 | New York City |
| JCC of Greater Coney Island | $269,000 | New York City |
| WIB of HMO | $270,000 | Herkimer, Oneida, Otsego |
| Highbridge Community Life Center | $269,000 | Bronx |
| Strive | $269,000 | New York City |
| Buffalo and Erie County Workforce Development Consortium, Inc. | $270,000 | Erie |
| WestCOP | $230,000 | Orange, Ulster, Westchester, Putnam |
| Albany Community Action Partnership | $270,000 | Albany, Schenectady, Rensselaer |
| Opportunities for a Better Tomorrow | $269,000 | New York City |
| NADAP | $270,000 | New York City |
| North Country Workforce Partnerships Inc. | $270,000 | Clinton, Essex, Franklin, St. Lawrence |
| Stanley Isaacs Neighborhood Center | $203,000 | New York City |
Congressman Charles Rangel commented, “I thank Governor Cuomo for his commitment to providing much-needed resources and job opportunities for New Yorkers, and applaud him for recognizing the value of great initiatives such as the Career Pathways Program. This boost in funding for organizations in my congressional district is a smart investment of our State’s economic future, as it will undoubtedly help many talented individuals to contribute back to the community.”
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